Research building dedicated

The La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology and the drug research firm Gemini Science dedicated a $43 million building yesterday in their bid to study further infectious diseases and disorders of the immune system.

The four-story structure is situated at the University of California San Diego's Science Research Park, just east of the John & Rebecca Moores Cancer Center. It will house the institute's 230 employees and about 40 researchers for Gemini Science.

Gemini Science, a San Diego-based pharmaceutical firm and subsidiary of the Kirin Brewing Co., is a major corporate sponsor of the institute. Gemini paid for the new building, and the institute will lease space.

In its new home, the institute will focus on developing defenses against bioterrorism and fighting infectious diseases such as West Nile virus, avian flu, SARS and smallpox.

The institute is also known for its work on Type 1 diabetes.

Researchers for Gemini Science and the institute have collaborated since 1988. One of their current projects focuses on potential treatments for avian flu. The two groups also plan to form more ties with scientists at UCSD.